C H A P T E R

PLAYERS IN
THE SYSTEMS
GAME
Chapter Map

Source: System Analysis and Design Methods, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill.
Information Systems & Technology

An information system (IS) is an arrangement of people, data,

processes, communications, and information technology that
interact to support and improve day-to-day operations in a
business, as well as support the problem-solving and decision-
making needs of management and users.

Information technology is a contemporary term that describes

the combination of computer technology (hardware and
software) with telecommunications technology (data, image,
and voice networks).

Source: System Analysis and Design Methods, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill.
Stakeholders: Players in the Systems Game

 A stakeholder is any person who has an interest in an existing

or new information system. Stakeholders can be technical or
nontechnical workers.
 For information systems, the stakeholders can be classified as:
• System owners
• System users
• Systems analysts
• System designers
• System builders
• IT vendors and consultants
Source: System Analysis and Design Methods, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill.
Source: System Analysis and Design Methods, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill.
System Owners

System owners are the information system’s

sponsors and chief advocates. They are usually
responsible for funding the project to develop,
operate, and maintain the information system.

Source: System Analysis and Design Methods, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill.
System Users

System users are the people who use or are affected by the
information system on a regular basis—capturing, validating,
entering, responding to, storing, and exchanging data and
information. A common synonym is client. Types include:
• Internal users
• Clerical and service workers
• Technical and professional staff
• Supervisors, middle managers, and executive managers
• Remote and mobile users (internal but disconnected)
• External users vs. Remote users
Source: System Analysis and Design Methods, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill.
System Designers and System Builders

System designers translate system users’ business

requirements and constraints into technical solutions. They
design the computer files, databases, inputs, outputs, screens,
networks, and programs that will meet the system users’
requirements.

System builders construct the information system

components based on the design specifications from the
system designers. In many cases, the system designer and
builder for a component are one and the same. Programmer,
Software Engineering

Source: System Analysis and Design Methods, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill.
Systems Analysts

A systems analyst studies the problems and needs of an

organization to determine how people, data, processes,
communications, and information technology can best
accomplish improvements for the business. When
information technology is used, the analyst is responsible
for:
• The efficient capture of data from its business source,
• The flow of that data to the computer,
• The processing and storage of that data by the computer, and
• The flow of useful and timely information back to the business
and its people.

Source: System Analysis and Design Methods, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill.
Problem-Solving Scenarios

 True problem situations, either real or anticipated, that

require corrective action
 Opportunities to improve a situation despite the
absence of complaints
 Directives to change a situation regardless of whether
anyone has complained about the current situation

Source: System Analysis and Design Methods, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill.
General Problem-Solving Approach

1. Identify the problem.

2. Analyze and understand the problem.
3. Identify solution requirements or expectations.
4. Identify alternative solutions and decide a course of action.
5. Design and implement the “best” solution.
6. Evaluate the results. If the problem is not solved, return to
step 1 or 2 as appropriate.

Source: System Analysis and Design Methods, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill.
The Systems Analyst as a Facilitator

Source: System Analysis and Design Methods, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill.
Skills Required by Systems Analysts

 Working knowledge of information technology

 Computer programming experience and expertise
 General business knowledge
 Problem-solving skills
 Interpersonal communication skills
 Interpersonal relations skills
 Flexibility and adaptability
 Character and ethics
 Systems analysis and design skills

Source: System Analysis and Design Methods, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill.
Computer Ethics

The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics

1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
2. Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.
3. Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.
4. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
5. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
6. Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.
7. Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or
proper compensation.
8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
9. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or
the system you are designing.
10. Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that insure consideration and respect
for your fellow human
Source: Computer Ethics Institute
Summary

 Information Systems and Stakeholders

 Role of Stakeholders in Information System Development
 Remote Computing and Internet-centric World
 System Analyst & Role
 Systems analysis and design
 Modern business and technology trends that affect
information systems development
 What are the career prospects for systems analysts?
 Knowledge and Skills of System Analyst